Chapter 3: Nephalem's Resolve, Nun of Sorrow
() Ddraig speaking
() Ddraig thinking
"" Dark speaking
"" Dark thinking
"Hm, haven't been this close to a nun that I had no intention of slaying before."
Though Alexis told everyone he was going back to his house, in truth he actually went to his Sensei's house as he didn't want to deal with the Demons for the time being and he knew that Erinys had a barrier around her house. This time he called Alicia to let her know where he is and who he was with. She came as soon as possible after she heard that Erinys was back.
Right now Erinys was examining Asia closely like someone who was ready to dissect a frog. Asia was nervous and kept fidgeting under Erinys' scrutinizing gaze. It didn't help that she hadn't bothered putting on her human guise, so her gaze was far more frightening to Asia than normal.
"Wow Onii-chan! She's so adorable!"
Alicia was also examining Asia though her eyes were full of awe and wonder, most likely because this was her first time seeing a nun.
Alexis couldn't help but chuckle at all this. He also neglected to put on his human guise, though for some reason Asia was not afraid of this even though his horns and bat wings made him seem more terrifying than Erinys. Then again she did have more wings than him and coupled with the stern gaze she was giving to Asia she was definitely the most intimidating figure in this room.
Sighing Erinys grabbed Asia's head, causing her to squeak, and looked directly in her eyes.
"Nun, be thankful that you befriended my student, otherwise I would not even hesitate to kill you."
Asia trembled even more and squeaked in terror.
"Bad Sensei! No teasing the cute nun!"
Alicia hugged the nun closely and playfully glared at her. She chuckled a bit and held her hands up in surrender.
Asia tilted her head, confused at Erinys sudden change of behaviour.
"Ano sensei?"
Erinys looked at Alexis.
"What are we going to do now?"
"Well first off I will be visiting Azazel."
"Azazel? You mean one of the leaders of the Fallen Angels?"
"Yes him. Though he isn't just A leader, he is THE leader of the Fallen Angels...and also a massive pervert."
He couldn't help but sweat dropped at that last part. Now that he thinks about it, he did read that Fallen Angels fell for lust, so it would only make sense that Fallen Angels were perverted to some extant.
"Azazel is a peaceful Fallen Angel, so I am surprised that his subordinates are acting so violent and invading Demon territory."
It could have been his imagination but he could have sworn that when she said "Demon territory" she said it with disgust and hatred.
She stood up and went to grab her sword that was hanging on the wall.
"I won't know how long I'll be gone, but I'll be trying to make this as short as possible. In the mean time show Asia around town."
"Eh? But wouldn't the Fallen Angels still be looking for her?"
Erinys simply smiled.
"The Fallen Angels in this town are weak. You have already proven that you are far superior to them, so I am confident that you would able to handle them."
He felt touched that his sensei had that much confidence in him.
"Besides you're a Nephalem. The only other being in this place that's actually capable of killing you is me."
On that note she disappeared in puff of black smoke.
Waving some of the smoke off his face he turned towards Alicia and Asia, who gave him curious looks.
"So where would like to go Asia?"
"…Auu."
It's a strange sight. A Sister getting confused in front of the register.
"W-What would you like to order…?"
Even the employee didn't know how to handle this situation.
Its lunchtime and he decided to take Asia to a fast food restaurant at the business district. Alicia would have come but she had school...hell he wasn't even suppose to be hear, but he just didn't want to deal with any of the political garbage that the Demons would throw at him.
It seemed that Asia never came to this kind of place before, so she was having a hard time choosing her meal.
He offered to help, but she said proudly: "It's fine, I will manage it somehow" so he's been watching her the whole time…
Thinking carefully, he remembered that she can't speak Japanese.
Seeing the chance, he helped her.
"Sorry. She will have the same order as me."
"Okay."
The employee takes the order. Asia on the other hand was shocked.
"Auu, I'm ashamed. I can't even buy a single hamburger by myself…"
"Well, first you need to get used to Japanese."
They head towards the empty table as soon as they got their meals while he encouraged Asia who was feeling down.
While they were moving inside the restaurant, most of the male customers were looking at both him and Asia with lust in their eyes.
It's because she's a nun, but also because she's really cute.
While for Alexis...yeah you already know why.
They sat opposite of each other, but Asia was taking a really good look at the hamburger and wasn't eating it. Rather, does she even know how to eat it?
'Wow, what a strange development.'
"Princess, you can eat this by taking the wrap off like this."
He showed her how to do it while smiling.
"T-There's actually a way to eat like that!? A-Amazing!"
…What a new reaction. She was seriously cute.
"You also eat the fries like this."
"Oh my!"
Asia was looking at him eating the fries with very keen eyes.
"No no, you also eat, Asia."
"Y-Yes."
She takes a small bite of the burger.
She starts eating it.
"D-Delicious! This burger is very delicious!"
This girl was saying it while her eyes are shining.
"You never ate a burger before?"
"No. I have seen it often on television, but it's my first time eating it. I'm moved! It's delicious!"
"Oh. So what do you normally eat?"
"Mainly bread and soup. I also eat vegetable and pasta food."
Such simple food. Is the Church really like that?
"Is that right? Then eat it carefully so you remember the taste. "
"Yes. I will eat it with joy."
Asia starts eating it deliciously.
'Just what am I going to do?"
He had no doubt that problems would arise from both sides. Even still he did not regret befriending her or rescuing her.
'I won't let it happen again...'
He for a brief moment thought back to a certain night in his childhood where someone that he loved dearly was taken away from him and his sister...
Shaking out the negative thoughts he decided to just forget about their troubles and enjoy the moment.
"Asia."
"Y-Yes."
"We'll go and have some fun now."
"Eh?"
"Let's go to the game centre."
The duo were currently wondering around the gaming centre. It was quite crowded and full of a wide variety of games.
Alexis then noticed that Asia wasn't next to him. Looking around he saw Asia standing in front of a crane game.
"What is it?"
"Hau! N-No… I-It's nothing."
When I ask her, she tries to hide it.
"Is there something you want?"
When he looked inside the crane game there was a doll of "Rache-kun" inside. A cute mascot based on a mouse. If Alexis remembered correctly, this character came from Japan but it's popular worldwide. So that's why Asia also knew it.
"Asia, do you like Rache-kun?"
"Eh? N-No, t-that is…"
Asia's face gets red, and she nods her head shyly.
"Okay. I'll get it for you!"
"Eh? B-But…!"
"It's okay, I've been doing this for my sister since Middle School."
He then placed a coin in an immediately set to work. He was able to get it at the first go proving how skill full he is when it comes to these things.
"Here you go, Asia."
Asia became so happy that she held the doll to her chest.
"Thank you very much, Alexis-san. I will take care of this doll."
"Hey hey, if a doll like that makes you happy, then I'll get you more next time."
That's what he said to her, but she shook her head.
"No, this Rache-kun that you gave me represents the wonderful day I met you. Since today is the only day I met you, I will take good care of this doll."
For some reason this brought a warm pleasant feeling in his heart.
"Okay! We haven't started yet! Asia, we we'll play for the whole day today! Follow me!"
"Y-Yes!"
He took Asia's hand and went further into the game centre.
"Ah, we played a lot today."
"Y-Yes…I'm a bit tired…"
They were walking on the street while laughing.
It was already evening.
'Huh who knew skipping school could be such fun?'
The two ended up getting tired.
"Say Asia," He began. "That power you used, it was a Sacred Gear right?"
"Yes, it is."
Just like Ddraig said.
(Told ya)
"To tell you the truth, I also have a Sacred Gear."
Asia puts on a shocked face after hearing his confession.
"Alexis-san, you also have a Sacred Gear? I didn't realise it at all."
"I can show it to you if you want."
He crossed both his arms and 2 crimson gauntlets covered his arms.
"Wow it's so amazing!" Asia says.
"Yeah I thought the same thing when I first summoned it." He then dismissed the gauntlets. "But I think you're Sacred Gear is amazing as well. The fact that it can heal anything and anyone is incredible!"
She put on a complicated expression, then a sad face.
Soon after, a single drop of tear falls from her eyes.
Then, more tears starts flowing out from her eyes.
She then got down and starts to cry.
'Oh crap balls I should have realized that I would have stepped on a land-mine!'
(Ya think?)
He decided to take her somewhere to sit. They found a bench to sit.
It was here that Asia decided to tell him the story of the "Holy Maiden."
In a certain region in Europe, there was a girl who was discarded by her parents.
She was raised in a Church nearby by a nun along with other orphans.
The girl who was a strong follower of the Church received a special power at the age of 8.
She healed a wounded puppy, and a person from the Catholic Church witnessed it by chance.
From there on, her life changed.
The girl was taken to the main Catholic Church and she was symbolized by many as a "Holy Maiden" because of her healing power.
She used her power to heal many believers and they were told it was a power of divine protection.
Rumours brought rumours and she was respected as a "Holy Maiden".
Even without her approval.
She had no dissatisfaction for how she was treated. People from the Church were kind and she didn't hate healing people.
She instead was happy that her power was of use.
The girl was thankful to her power which was bestowed to her by God.
But she was a bit lonely.
She didn't have any friends she could open up to.
Everyone treated her nicely and was nice to her. But there were no one willing to become her friend.
She understood why.
She knew that they were looking at her power as something irregular.
They didn't look at her as a human but as a creature that could heal humans.
But one day, it changed.
By coincidence, there was a Demon nearby and she healed it.
A wounded Demon, the girl couldn't ignore it.
She thought that even if it was a Demon, she had to heal it if it was injured.
It was her kindness that made her take such an action.
But that changed her life forever.
One of the people from the Church saw that incident and notified others of the Church.
The ministers of the Church were shocked about it.
"A power that can heal Demons!?"
"Something absurd like that cannot happen!"
"The power of healing can only heal the followers of God!"
Yes, there were several people who had the power to heal.
But the power to heal the Demon was out of the question. The people of the Church thought it was common sense that the power of healing doesn't work on Fallen Angels and Demons.
Apparently, a similar incident had happened in the past.
The power to heal Fallen Angels and Demons that were not protected by God. But that was feared as the power of a "Witch".
So the people saw her as a heretic.
"Damn witch that heals Demons!"
The girl who was respected as a Holy Maiden was then feared as a "Witch" and the Catholic Church abandoned her.
She didn't have anywhere to go and the organization of "Stray Exorcists" picked her up.
In other words, she had to get divine protection from the Fallen Angels.
But the girl never forgot to pray to God. She also never forgot to thank God.
Even so, the girl was abandoned.
God didn't save her.
What shocked her the most was that there was not even a single person in the Church that was willing to defend her.
There was no one who cared about her.
"…It's because I didn't pray enough. It's because I'm clumsy. I'm so stupid that I can't even eat a burger by myself."
Asia wipes her tears while laughing.
It would be the understatement of the year to say that Alexis was pissed. Hearing how the Church treated her, it was taking all his willpower not to tear out his human guise, fly over there and rip through all the Church members like bloody confetti. Hell his fangs and claws were already out.
(Wow I know the Church members are a bunch of racist Jack-assess but this is just low, even for them)
Even Ddraig was angered at the treatment that was dealt with to Asia.
"This is also a trial that the lord gave me. Since I'm a clumsy nun, the lord gave me this trial. So I have to endure it."
She was laughing as if she was talking to herself.
Seeing her like this momentarily halted his rage and he looked at her with sadness and pity.
"I'm sure I will make lots of friends one day. I have a dream. I want to go buy flowers with a friend, buying books and…talk…"
She's full of tears.
Again he was full of rage but it was then replaced with determination.
"Asia I will be your friend. No, the fact that we hung out and are talking like this means that we're already friends."
Asia stood there looking puzzled.
"I may be something that can be considered even worse than a demon or fallen angel, but I will never harm you and I will never demand something from you. Ah, I should probably give you my number."
He took out his cellphone from his pocket.
"…Why?"
"It's not why! Asia, you played with me for the whole day right? We talked right? We laughed together right? Then you and I are friends! A human, a Demon, A Monster or God, it doesn't matter! We are friends!"
"But what about the Demons?"
Asia knows that he's affiliated with the Demons and was worried that he would get in trouble for associating with a nun.
"Don't worry about them. I may be friends with them but they are not my masters. Who I decide to befriend is entirely up to me. Putting things aside we'll talk when we want to, we'll play when we want to, and yes, I'll also go shopping with you! Whether its books or flowers, we'll go shopping as much as you want! Okay?"
Even though he felt like he could have worded it better Asia cried tears that were full of hope.
Alexis grabbed her hands.
"Even if you're clumsy, even if you have no common sense, and even if you can't speak this land's language; I'll teach you all of it. I will stand by your side for as long as you want me to."
He held out his hand to her.
"So Asia, will you become my friend?"
She cries tears of happiness, nods her head and smiles.
"How cute, but ultimately it's impossible."
A voice full of mockery ruined the moment.
Turning around he was struck speechless...
'Why the Hell is my wannabe killer dressed like some sort of stripper?!'
(Nice) Ddraig said with a perverted tone.
The Fallen Angel was wearing what appeared to be black leather straps that BARELY covered the important bits. To put it simply it was a dominatrix outfit.
He couldn't help but face palm at this as well as blush hard.
Shaking off his complaints he glared at her.
"So I'm guessing you must be the one called Raynare."
"Heh. You survived and as a Demon? Seriously, that is the worst."
'Idiot, can she not sense my aura.'
(She might simply be too arrogant to pay much attention to it)
"…Raynare-sama…"
Asia calls her.
"What does a Fallen Angel like you want?"
She sneers when he asked her that.
"I don't want a filthy low-class Demon like you talking to me."
She stares at him as if she was looking at something very disgusting.
"That girl, Asia, is our personal belonging. Can I have her back? Asia, you know it's useless to run away?"
Before she could even utter a word, Alexis stood in front of her protectively.
"Just what the Hell are you planning to do with her Raynare."
He said the last part menacingly.
"Low-class Demon, don't call me by my name. My name will get filthy. What's between us doesn't have anything to do with you. If you don't go back to your master's place quickly, you will die, you know?"
Raynare gathers light in her hand.
A light spear.
"Sacred Gear!"
2 gauntlets appeared on his arms with a flash of bright light.
Getting a good look of his Sacred Gear shock, along with a bit of fear, formed on her face.
"Boosted Gear! What's a Longinus doing being possessed by a child like you!"
He simply sneered at her and completely disappeared from her sights.
She looked around frantically trying to find him, not even realizing that he appeared right on top of her.
Raising his leg up high he brought it down to her head, though at the very last second Raynare sensed the attack and barely had enough time to block the incoming kick with her spear.
Though it broke upon contact with his foot and she was sent crashing down to the ground head first with enough force to cause a crater.
He landed on the ground softly and right in front of her.
'Huh, even though Sensei said they're weak I didn't think I would be able to knock her out this quickly and easily.'
(Well judging from the power of her light spear she must be pretty weak even by a fallen angel's standards. By the way why did you summon me? You could have easily have taken care of her without using Boosted Gear)
'Well I just wanted to see if she would recognized it. Plus I also wanted to scare the crap out of her.'
His instincts instantly screamed at him to look out and he narrowly dodged a light spear that would have torn through his shoulder if he was a second too late.
He turned around and was greeted with the sight a mature looking woman wearing a violet trench coat that was open at the top revealing a generous amount of her large cleavage.
(Whoo! Another hottie!)
'Ddraig shut up'
"Kyaa!"
Startled Alexis looked to his left and saw a rather petite girl wearing a gothic lolita dress full of frills.
A bit thrown off by the girl's choice of clothing, he shook his head to clear out his thoughts and was about to head towards them only for the fallen angel to place a light dagger on Asia's throat causing him to stop.
"Take one more step and this little nun will end up headless."
He simply snarled at her while she smirked cruelly at him.
"Hey Kalawarner how's the dead weight doing?"
The mature looking fallen angel now named Kalawarner, was seen trying to pry the unconscious Raynare out of the ground.
"Unconscious but alright." She grunted as she managed pry Raynare out and was now carrying her. "Let's get out of here already."
"You think I'm just gonna-!" He was interrupted when his senses screamed at him to dodge though it was too late when a light sword pierced his heart directly.
"ALEXIS!" Asia cried.
"Ha! That's for taking my arm you shitty devil!"
Freed somehow managed to sneak up on Alexis.
Before Asia could say anything The fallen angel covered her mouth and they all teleported away leaving Alexis to deal with the one-armed insane priest.
Snarling he rips his guise off and elbows the priest in the eye as hard as he can, causing Freed to let go of the sword.
"YOU FUCKING BASTARD!"
He had his hand covering his right eye as it was bleeding profusely.
Distracted from the pain Alexis used the opportunity to quickly try to skewer him with his claws until...
BA-DUMP
Alexis let out a small gasp and quickly jumped as far away as possible from Freed as possible.
His instincts were instantly screaming at him of danger yet they couldn't really tell him where exactly it was just a general direction which coincidently was where Freed was currently standing.
Yet his senses also picked up an aura of grand power that exceeded anything he ever felt as well as seemingly changing the area that they now stood making it far darker than normal. It for some reason held some sort familiarity to it, almost like...
'No it couldn't be...'
"Hey just what the hell-!"
Freed was cut off when they heard some sort of fleshy burst sound.
Freed looked down and saw a hand made out of shadow & smoke rammed right through his chest and was currently holding Freed's bleeding heart.
Freed coughed out some blood before he slumped, his life completely leaving him.
Letting go of the heart, the being lifted the body up before throwing it aside revealing its full shadowy body to Alexis.
"Despite all that power and skill you were unable to save a nun from a bunch of weak crows...Pathetic."
Alexis growled angrily at that remark though he knew that if he were to attack him he would be a goner.
The shadowy being gave Alexis a vicious toothy grin.
"I think it would in your best interest if I decide to help. Wouldn't you say?"
"How many times do I have to repeat myself? No is no. I can't allow you to save that Sister."
He visited the school after he couldn't save Asia and reported the story to Rias.
Though when he suggested they go save the nun she instantly rejected the notion.
"If you don't want to help me then I'll simply go there and save Asia myself."
"Are you really that stupid? You are affiliated with the demons which means they will not hesitate to cut you down. They will also see this as an act of aggression from the demons and wage war on us."
The two glared at each other for a moment before he decided to speak again.
"Asia is my friend. She is innocent of all this. I refuse to abandon my friend!"
"…That's a wonderful thing. I think it's amazing if you can say that face to face. But that's different than what we are talking about now. The relationship between a Demon and a Fallen Angel is not as simple as you think. The two sides have been glaring at each other for hundreds and thousands of years. If you show them a single gap of weakness, they will come and kill us. They are our enemy."
He growled a bit when he heard that but soft enough that nobody heard it.
"That girl was originally from God's side. She is a person that we cannot ever coexist with. Even if she went with the Fallen Angels, it doesn't change the fact that she is still the enemy of us Demons."
"Asia isn't our enemy!"
He denied strongly.
"Even if she isn't, she has nothing to do with us. Alexis, you have to forget about her."
Rias felt a sudden spike in his aura that sent warning bells blaring in her head.
Everyone suddenly felt a tinge of nervousness though with Koneko it was more of actual fear.
Alexis' eyes were currently hidden by his hair.
"You know..."
Crimson marks appeared on his skin.
"When that priest told Asia that I was a demon..."
His nails lengthened into sharp deadly claws and his teeth turned into fangs.
"The first thing she did when the priest attacked, was protect me from him even though she was told I was a demon."
His horns appeared on his head. At this point his aura was intensifying to the point everyone was getting ready to defend themselves...well except Koneko who was hiding behind the couch.
"Despite all those hardships and betrayals, she STILL remained the kind and innocent little girl that will not hesitate to help anyone in need."
His tail bursted out whipping the air.
"Even when she found out that I am a monster worse than a demon or fallen angel, she didn't judge me or anything. She still treated me like an ordinary human being...I promised to be her friend."
His wings bursted out of his back, spreading to their full length.
"Do you honestly even THINK I give a shit about demon politics? You forget that I am not a demon or your servant... I WILL NOT LEAVE MY FRIEND TO SUFFER!"
His beastly crimson eyes were now glaring at her in anger which caused her to flinch.
"If you won't help me then I'll go and save Asia myself."
He turned to walk away.
"If you want to stop me, than you better be prepared to kill me."
Before anyone could say anything he was enveloped by red mist and disappeared.
Looking down on the entire school was the Shadow being who was simply floating in midair with a smug grin plastered on his face.
Flashback
"Who are you?"
Alexis was in a battle ready-stance though his instincts were telling him that this being, this Nephalem, could easily kill him without so much as lifting a finger.
"Me? Well I go by many names and titles but you can call me Abyss."
Despite the lack of hostility in his movements and voice, Alexis didn't let down his guard.
"Why would you want to help me?"
Abyss simply tilted his head and smiled in amusement.
"Well if I were to be honest...I'm bored."
Alexis couldn't help but sweat dropped at his answer.
"There's virtually nothing to do in this boring old town and when I found out about your predicament I thought it might be fun getting to slaughter some strays from the church."
Though he said it with an honest tone, Alexis couldn't help but feel like Abyss wasn't telling him everything.
"Just what are you hiding?"
Abyss simply chuckled and started to walk away.
"Just so you know your devil friends won't help you in your cause and even though you're one of us you are going to need as much help as you can get."
He disappeared leaving Alexis to ponder all this. He was then startled when he heard Abyss' voice.
"Just say my name and I will come to you."
Flasback end
Abyss grinned when he heard Alexis call his name.
"Time to get this party started."
Author's Notes
Well here's the third chapter. We're approaching the end of the Holy Maiden arc and Alexis finally meets the mysterious shadow figure.
Next time Alexis gives in to his baser instincts & goes on a bloody rampage.
See ya :)